West Ham latest news: Moyes 'may regret' controversial Kurt Zouma decision that's 'risking backlash'

West Ham United boss David Moyes may end up regretting his decision to start Kurt Zouma in the Hammers’ win over Watford as it could lead to ‘further backlash’, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Zouma retained his place in the east Londoners’ starting line-up as they sealed a 1-0 win over Premier League strugglers Watford thanks to a deflected Jarrod Bowen strike last night.

Zouma’s involvement came less than 24 hours after footage obtained by The Sun appeared to show the central defender kicking and slapping his pet cat.

Since the video surfaced, West Ham have released a statement clarifying they ‘in no way condone cruelty towards animals’ and will be dealing with the matter internally, while Zouma has also acknowledged his regret.

Police have launched an investigation into the incidents, with more than 80,000 people signing an online petition for Zouma to be prosecuted, and it has also been claimed the 27-year-old could face up to four years in a French prison for his actions.

Despite the outrage, Moyes has insisted he stands by his decision to have selected Zouma for last night’s Premier League clash with Watford at the London Stadium.

Zouma, who joined West Ham in a £29.8million deal from Chelsea in August, was booed by both sets of fans throughout the encounter.

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O’Rourke feels Moyes’ decision not to take Zouma out of the team against Watford could backfire in the long run.

The journalist reckons it could lead to members of the general public turning against footballers.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “I just think it risks further backlash from people thinking that footballers can get away with these things.

“I think West Ham and David Moyes may regret